A Seamless Reception :: Feature Article

A Grand Wedding provides first hand advice & guidance on planning a wedding on a realistic budget.

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I had the pleasure of providing Go2Girl Events 'two cents' on how to create a seamless + stress free Reception. It's all about timing!

Here's the article ::

How to have a Smooth-Running Reception.

Unique Ideas + Settings for Marriage Proposals

Part 2 of Marriage Proposal Tips + Ideas

Setting the tone for a proposal is key.

You want to feel confident, comfortable, and familiar with your surroundings.

Winter Wonderland Stroll

Assuming you have snow at your disposal, go on an outdoor jaunt, make Snow Angels, throw some snowballs...and then drop to one knee.

Decorating the Tree
Be sure to participate in hanging of the ornaments, and trimming the tree. Slip the ring to her as if it's one of the ornaments, and ask her then + there. This format works best for those with little stagefright!

Dog Park
Do you frequent one with your pooches? Could you get a friend/regular to co-inspire with you? Create a large sign stating '_______, will you marry me?' and have your buddy hang it somewhere along the walk route. Now that's unexpected!

Local Pub/Restaurant
For those that love Trivia Night - get the question added to the mix.

You'll both be surprised with the timing!

Movie Night
Plan a great evening at home :: Favorite movies playing, snacks 'o' plenty.

Create your own Intermission.

Whatever your plan, put your own personal twist on it.

Make it Memorable for all the Right Reasons.

Here's to Stylish Sanity!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year ....To Get Engaged!

Part 1 :: Proposal Tips

The holiday season brings out strong feelings of nostalgia + love. It's also the natural time to reflect upon all we have, and all that we want in the New Year.

Proposals are a plenty during the last two weeks of December + New Years Day.

Here's a few tips for all the nervous people out there:

Keep it Simple

Avoid plans that are super elaborate, time consuming, or expensive. The sheer joy of being surprised, seeing the ring, and sharing that Once in a Lifetime feeling will be more than enough.

Be Comfortable + Relaxed

This isn't the time for a new restaurant, or a drive to a small town B & B.

Familiarity breeds Romance.

Memories of places already ventured have a built in feeling of happiness + security.

Be Present in the Moment

You may be surprised when the mood + words come to your lips.

Allow yourself some wiggle room, it doesn't HAVE to happen on Christmas Eve.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment...

Part 2 :: Unique Ideas + Settings for Marriage Proposals.

Here's to Stylish Sanity!

Happy Anniversary :: Marla & Erek

What a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend it was last year.

Marla & Erek's Wedding was on Saturday at The Cove in Normandy Park, and the day was filled with family, food & great music.

::

Wishing you both all the best.

The Real Way to A Guy's Heart :: PinUp Girl Photos

Have you held off booking a 'Boudoir' Photo Session - 'cause deep down you really want something edgy, unique and glamorous?

Well, look no further than Old School PinUps ....The Ultimate Place to Tap into the Dreamworld of Dress-up.

The Brilliant Mindmeld of Lance & Trixie (2007 Newlyweds), has clearly tapped into the insatiable need to capture our inner sex kitten!

Who can resist package names like:

The Hubba Bubba

The Fuzzy Boa

The Fishnet

Oh, and did we mention the Art of Burlesque lessons too?

Inspirational Frame of Mind

A Great Friend shared some wise words with me yesterday, and they've been playing over and over in my mind this morning.....So I thought I'd share them here.

' Love & Happiness are the ingredients that make the day beautiful - not flowers, invitations, or cake.
It's that natural glow, the contagious smiles, laughter and tears. These are the memories that will give you goosebumps as you reminisce in the years to come.'

What made this so poignant, was the translation into Everyday Life.

The Pursuit of Happiness is why we all wake up, set goals, nurture relationships and start down a path.

It's so easy to get caught up with all of the 'stuff' surrounding us, and feeling suffocated by obligation - Especially when you're a Bride to Be planning the biggest event of your life thus far.

Just remember to Breathe Deep, Smile, and Be Present in the Moment.

Do you have a Ritual that helps you Relax?

Stephanie & Ryan : Memories At Last

This August Wedding was a dream - Vintage, Black Tie, Pure Class. I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of these photographs, as it was a breathtaking event, and a favorite of Go2Girl's Summer 2008 Wedding Season.


The Bride & Groom were so lovely. It was a pleasure to be there, providing Peace of Mind for them both, at the Washington Athletic Club in Downtown Seattle.

You can feel the excitement!






Bride & Groom : Stephanie & Ryan










Venue, Catering & Cake : Washington Athletic Club
Florist: Laurel Mitchell
Linens: BBJ Linen
DJ: Sounds Unlimited
Photographer: Debora Spencer

Isabella : Flower Girl
Checking herself out before showtime!

Isaak : Ring Bearer
Could he be any cuter?

How to Choose Your ' Vendor Tribe '

So you’ve gathered a list of Vendor recommendations from friends, recent brides, your wedding planner, and even a few 'online' acquaintances.

You've viewed their websites, looked at portfolios, and gathered a general idea about overall price.

But, how will you narrow it down to picking ' The One ' ?

It all comes down to personality. And by that…..I mean yours.
Take stock in how you feel around them at your Complimentary Meet & Greet.

Do they get you?

Do you feel at ease in their presence?

Do you want to stay a little longer and chat?

Would you add them as a friend on your Facebook page?

(OK, kinda kidding on the last one there!)

Feeling like old friends isn't going to happen each & every time.

But your level of comfort, and getting your Q & A completed in full, is the first sign that your business and wedding is of importance to them.

How about bringing along a Vendor Questionnaire ?
You don't have to pull out a clipboard & form - but getting a baseline of information to compare Vendors is crucial.

Being prepared lessens the pressure you feel, and will let the conversation flow.

You may forget many of the crucial questions you need answered when gawking at gorgeous photos of flowers, cupcake displays and linen choices.

I'm just saying!

It's always wise to have a Reference Point.


Here’s to Stylish Sanity!

First Anniversary : Kristen & Raymond

Kristen & Raymond were blessed with a gorgeous, crisp + sunny day last November at Semiahmoo Resort.

A beautiful location & wedding celebration.

Hope you're both enjoying your special day!